Tears From Gazza

Last updated : 21 February 2018 By Footy Mad - Editor

A 'strong and sober' Paul Gascoigne laid his father to rest today after a funeral in the footballer's hometown.

The 50-year-old former England midfielder, dressed smartly in a dark suit and tie, was among the mourners who attended the funeral following his father Paul's death from cancer aged 72.

He was particularly close to his father, who even when out of work due to illness made sure his football-mad son never went without a ball and boots to hone his skills.

Gascoigne travelled from his house in Bournemouth to the family home in Gateshead to be with his loved ones following John's death on February 9. The funeral was also attended by ex-Newcastle star Peter Beardsley and Gazza's long-time friend Jimmy 'Five Bellies' Gardner.

Shortly after his father's death, a spokesman for Gascoigne said the former Newcastle United footballer was 'devastated' but 'in a strong place and sober' despite a well-documented fight with alcoholism.

John and wife Carol raised Gascoigne and his three siblings at a council home in Gateshead.

Illness forced him to quit work when Gascoigne was nine and he ended up on benefits.

When Gascoigne became an international football star, he showed his gratitude by showering him with gifts - including a £70,000 Rolls Royce.

A family friend told The Sun: 'Gazza was incredibly close to his father. This will devastate him, as it will with all the family. John was always there for Paul every step of the way - through the good times at the height of his career and the bad. They were incredibly close. Paul will really miss him.'

Gascoigne's sister, Lyndsay, paid tribute to their father shortly after his death by posting a picture of him on Facebook.

Last month Gascoigne was spotted in high spirits attending a Premier League game at the King Power stadium in Leicester, just two weeks after he told his adoring fans that he was back and ready for a 'massive 2018'.

The former football star was seen in the stands at the game between Leicester City and Watford next to goalkeeping legend Peter Schmeichel.

His smiling public appearance, complete with a new beard, came after he returned to Twitter in December and entertained his fans with a serious of funny, inspirational and positive messages.

This is the second tragedy to blight the family in recent years after Gascoigne's nephew, Jay Kerrigan, died in April 2016 from an overdose after battling mental illness.